From Wreck to Deck: Slim's Latest Cabin Challenge

[@tleej26]

The deck looks fantastic, the best part was seeing you sit down and enjoy a well deserved beer 🍺 🇳🇿

[@dewdropn5619]

I wondered if we'd get to see you enjoy time, in your directors chair... 🤗 I bet your body needed a hot tub on the deck, after all that labor! Ouch! Looks great SP! One of many milestones accomplished! Stay safe. 🕊

[@mohakhu]

The happiness in your eyes after you're done, wow 😍

[@Questicus]

Loving the cabin series Slim!

[@shirleyneufeld3098]

I have enjoyed your building and trips. My late husband was a builder and built three of our homes. My joy was to bring him coffees and food along watching or helping him build. I actually called it fun and the best part of our lives. Thanks for bringing back those memories...🇨🇦

[@raros5475]

Sweet memories

[@alcopower5710]

Sorry for your loss Shirley

[@shirleyneufeld3098]

Thank you...

[@epatto]

This is exactly the sort of content I enjoy watching. Keep them coming Slim!

[@SolarSailor1967]

Slim always downplays his skill levels but he's more handy than I am. (In Slims spirit, I'm watching this & commenting from a campsite.)

[@janebray9392]

My friend says, he's as handy as a pocket on a shirt!👍‼️

[@Jeff-jg7jh]

He knows some of the nomenclature (how's that for a word). I think he has had some experience with building. Heck, he's a guy, don't we all know a little something about making things?

[@capitolapp]

Nice vid Slim. You'd be wise to add some "x" style cross bracing between some of your 4x4 vertical posts under the deck. This will help and prevent lateral movement.

[@davidrobert4246]

I loved the American trip but these Cabin videos might be my favourite series of yours.

[@jenniferwise8515]

Canada is also North America. You mean the USA.

[@davidrobert4246]

@@jenniferwise8515 Thank you for correcting my mistake. I have submitted a request for you to receive a noble prize for your efforts.

[@sholaantar2224]

Thanks Slim for showing a Woman how to do basic carpentry. Much appreciated. Although I do lots of things myself, this is new territory I am enthusiastic about investigating.

[@christosvlachos8710]

Very good job Slim!

[@afrock1000]

Nice job. I am sure the deck is great. I am going to suggest blocking at the mid-point of each joist. They are going to dry, shrink and twist. The blocking will help to alleviate the resulting problems.

[@brettn4337]

I was going to say the same. Might be able to use some more of the salvaged timber

[@SlimPotatohead]

Thanks for the tips! SP

[@oceanside9508]

I came to this channel for camping and nature, but this cabin series has been enthralling! Awesome work, Slim.

[@faithrada]

Absolutely. I love the balance between travel & securing a cozy safe haven. What an awesome location that is. AND... he is adding value with all that labor. I doubt he is going to 'flip' this *Shangrala* any time soon though. 😉

[@ceciliagloriasoriano6133]

I feel so happy and excited for this undertaking. no matter the cost, your happiness outweighs the money value. your happiness has no price to it. happy for you SLIM.

[@philtronmegabrew]

Despite the costs the view and serenity will be priceless

[@mrben6573]

This cabin is going to be a real gem when it's done. Already looks super good.

[@juanitagreenspan5412]

I am in awe. That was a lot of work but the perfect addition to the cabin.

[@grosvenorclub]

I can't imagine anything more enjoyable than building a deck looking over the water surrounded by trees .

[@animestein]

This was very inspiring, also relaxing. Nothing could be better than to enjoy a drink, in a place that you built yourself. Enjoy it Slim, and have a great time!

[@steverandall5814]

That deck is beautiful and built like the proverbial brick s--t house! Watching you swing that professional-quality 20 ounce framing hammer with ease, leads me to believe building this deck isn't your first rodeo. Thanks for the great videos Slim!

[@eugenetrollip751]

Not bad for an "amateur"! I would think that the deck boards are the more satisfying part because you can actual stand on the deck and admire the view (which is gorgeous by the way)!

[@Stephen-ob3ij]

Really good job, doubt I'd have the patience and there would be more than a few expletives.

[@scotttracey123]

More cabin videos PLEASE!!!!!! Love the way its taking shape!!!!

[@javascript3ds698]

That looks like a small paradise, glad for you,you deserve every moment of it 🍻.

[@grzegorzlecki3139]

for those "city folks" who do not get the opportunity to build things, it is hard to describe the immense joy and satisfaction on working on projects like this.

[@scratchsescape1978]

Decades ago restored a primitive cabin inside the Gallain National forest in south central Montana. This brought back memories of the challenges and joys. A few years ago I re-laid the decking on my 75X12 deck at my home in South Carolina and yes deck screws get old. I watched your video this morning sitting on that deck. Great job Slim!

[@ambulingadventures-stan1050]

Really nice to your vision coming to life. The cabin is looking more and more inviting!

[@Gail-gf7km]

Stairway to heaven is absolutely right! Looks just perfect to me!

[@lakecavanaugh]

Now THAT was a successful functional test! Looks great! Seems like a lot of money but that is really a bargain. Your ability to do it yourself really saves a lot of money.

[@chuckrf1502]

That will be the most well used space in the cabin. 👍🏻

[@carolm7828]

Although you said “you went past your budget” and “went over your expected finish date of completion,” the end result was worth it!😁. You now have an area where you can sit down and enjoy that Beautiful view! Looks like it’s sturdy! And like you said “if you need to do any further repairs, you will!” Good job!👏🏼

[@G.Photogirl]

Well done! You have your own little slice of heaven there, to enjoy for years to come, so kudos to you! 👏🏼

[@kevinwiss6011]

Good job Slim! That cabin is coming right along! Yep, that price for the lumber and supplies is RIDICULOUS!!!! But hey, you got it done! 👍👍

[@pauloh3591]

Look who's deck! You did a tremendous job. Congrats!

[@ruthanderson1758]

Even with the crazy cost of lumber these days, I think you got a great deck for a reasonable price.

[@Panamaca]

Slim, hello from Oklahoma! First, my wife sends her best she loves your videos and it makes her even more happy to see working/building. My wife would rather have cement the diamonds, she's a keeper of 31 years. I've been watching you for years now and got her interested in your videos. Thanks for showing us some of Canada and some parts of the US we haven't visited. Thanks mucho!

[@GreatGrannyFreeBird]

I really like this video summarizing the deck build and key features. Just love how you designed that chopped off corner by the stairs. That really added character! The best part was your 'test drive'. Fun fun.

[@lynella6073]

Gosh slim, for not being a pro, you sure did a good job! If you’ve got the time, a lot of gratification comes from completing something like that, love watching your videos, thanks!

[@wendysmith6981]

The deck looks fabulous, so impressed with how it turned out. Take care.

[@RutherfordTony]

Great job Slim. You are making it your home. Congratulations!

[@CampandCamera]

I wouldn’t have thought of doing an overhang and a tapered corner. It turned out great! I could see myself spending lots of time on a deck like that.

[@lauramackay9005]

Slim you have done a fantastic job on your cabin. We look forward to seeing how it all finishes up. Well done.

[@pagewhite61]

What a great deck Slim, bravo! You did a great job, I can’t wait to see what’s next! Thanks for the video.

[@71filter]

Slim this deck looks absolutely professional to me and I wouldn't have done a thing different!!! Excellent excellent job!!!👍 You're going to have an absolutely amazing place there when you're finished!!! Thanks for sharing 👍👍

[@virginiatolles1664]

Well done! You'll really enjoy that deck! So will we, even if only vicariously through your videos.

[@doricohen5014]

Well done Slim! .. so wonderful for you .you will enjoy that deck for years to come !

[@zooedca]

I did my deck the same way you did. The ground was there for X years before and 12 years later my deck has not sunk at all. I threw some gravel under later to help with any erosion. Great work! Thanks again for the videos.

[@dmdavis4551]

Proud of you Slim, you did a wonderful job!. Hoping you enjoy it for many years to come. Such a beautiful home location. Keep on Keeping on!

[@HTC9184]

Lovely! Great Job! I would put a low seat (instead of the rail) around the edge of the deck… so it doesn’t disrupt the view while sitting. ❤️ Enjoy!! Thanks for sharing your journey.

[@doris1826]

🤣😂 "I wouldn't say they were well hung, but they're pretty proud of themselves." Funny stuff! 🤣😅

[@JodieMiners]

Classic Slim!

[@sylviajones4907]

You did an amazing job on that deck. Looks great. Love your humor (laughed out loud) & humbleness (you know a lot of stuff!). Thank you for letting us watch you work. Enjoy your labor of love. (The hummingbird was blessing your finished project!)

[@ralphlong9973]

You gave me a big smile when you opened up that beer on your brand new deck. I know the feeling. Congratulations!

[@mariec1297]

Looks fantastic! I wish you many happy beers, sunrises and sunsets on it!

[@shauna5466]

Such a beautiful deck, No amount of money could buy a more beautiful view!

[@929cbr_rr]

Deck looks great Slim ! They are so worth it. I'm watching this vid on my laptop, sitting on the deck I built here at home 22 years ago. Quite possibly the best investment of time and money I have made on the place. Keep up the good work, you're whipping the cabin into nice shape.

[@deerhaven3350]

I think what you've accomplished there on your own is amazing. The place already is in so much better shape than it was when you started with it a year ago. I bought a fixer-upper in the forest here in western WA State five years ago this month and it's just a process, but I'm so proud of what I've accomplished over the ensuing years and you should be too.

[@certaindeaf8315]

A 1/4" gap between deck boards prevents sitting water and is easier to keep clean of pine needles etc.

[@aarongill2942]

My place has a deck without enough gap and the fir needles fill in what’s there. The boards rot much faster. When I rebuild I’ll probably go with a 3/8” gap

[@williambranham6249]

@@aarongill2942 Yes I think 3/8 is better. My wife complains about the seeds from our poplar trees sticking in our decking spaces (less than 3/8) but I told her the spacing couldn't be more than 3/8 because my girl friends 5 in. heels would go through the decking spaces. She didn't laugh.

[@thomasbordelon4149]

In time the boards will naturally gap themselves as the wood shrinks.

[@chrislincoln489]

Also watch the crown of the lumber. some of these are upside down and the side will rase up and cause you to trip over them. Other than these two things you did a great job.

[@certaindeaf8315]

@@chrislincoln489 Yes, you can see the ring growth and you want the crown up.

[@georgekerr8804]

King George couldn't have a better view. I love the deck. I really love the view, with the trees and ocean. I built a deck, 30 years ago and it definitely took more than 10 days. Your money is well spent.

[@elvirak.schuller9449]

Wow, the deck turned out great!! 😀

[@shopart1488]

With all the joking I think you are a carpenter at heart. Looks good and anyone that says different probably never built a deck. I built homes for years, now at 78 I love watching others do it!!

[@doggonervn211]

Reminded me of the simple lake cabin my dad built for our family in the late 50's, l helped dig the out house pit too! Simpler times back then. Wish l could go back to those days now at 70!

[@racinchef]

Enjoy your videos. I’m a truck driver so I can’t often “like” each video. Love the cabin series.

[@dixxebell]

Having built 2 decks myself I know it's a lot of work...but it sure saves on $$ since labor is high. Good Job, Im loving the cabin work! You're creating a fantastic home.

[@cherlgolja5402]

Amazing ! Just beautiful workmanship and beautiful location ! I’m so happy for you ! You will enjoy that cabin for years to come ! Can’t wait to see how you remodel the inside 😎

[@kimberlyshalaby1134]

The veranda looks relaxing, very inviting. You saved probably as much doing it yourself.

[@bikingal4283]

oh my gosh Slim... that view makes it all worth it... I have a brick deck in my backyard by my pool and I spend 75% of my time on it, eat almost every meal on it.. you have so many years to enjoy your deck and the pride you must feel for doing this by yourself alone, and doing a wonderful job, will reward you for those 10 days of sweat...and I will never again believe you when you start out with "well I may not know what I'm doing" b/c I see that is bogus... you do amazing work... cheers

[@ladikmk]

That broken down little cabin is taking on some shine. Beautiful job on the deck Slim and that beer - well deserved! Enjoy the view and stay well.

[@MaryK4242]

Slim, I'm really enjoying these remodeling videos. Thanks for sharing!

[@alld6005]

I'm not an expert, but that seems very securely put together. It looks great. Well done, you nailed it!

[@Abrewdog]

As a carpenter for a majority of my adult life. I’m not going to say a thing other than enjoy your deck and the peace it will bring you.

[@patriciacrumrine5890]

Slim! It was really great to see the deck, new and improved. I remember you sitting on the old one and thinking how great the spot and view. This surpasses any expectations. It's a beautiful deck. I wish you many happy hours. The money, time, energy, and sweat you have expended are making a huge difference. No longer a derelict. Can't wait to see the inside develop. Thanks for sharing the journey. And the wildlife at the end. You never disappoint.

[@catpurrson3651]

All that by yourself. What an accomplishment! Don't you just love that chair? So functional!

[@Outdoor_MED]

Good job Slim! Don't forget to install a beer opener right on one of those deck posts for convenience haha

[@daveneil3963]

I think the 45's look more pleasing on the deck than 90's would have. Great work, thanks for the video, looking forward to more.

[@PaulyGirl48]

What an inviting and relaxing deck! My favorite part of this cabin so far! Great job👍

[@rharris22222]

"...but they're pretty proud of themselves!" I chuckled for 5 minutes at most racy thing I can recall hearing from Slim! I'm smiling just thinking about it.

[@littlebear7018]

"Feathers appear when angels appear!" Also, it's a positive omen for your soul -- especially if you've been looking for the feather 🪶

[@gbthecamper458]

Great job on the deck and I agree with you that floating it will be just fine. If you are worried about lateral post movement, you could use cross bracing with 2x4s. In the end you also have a great storage area underneath as well

[@topherjoe1]

I was thinking the same.

[@crazgirl80]

That is a million dollar view. The deck even tho you say is not correctly done looks amazing . I can only imagine it with your own collection of branches and other treasures when you do the rails. What a beautiful piece of heaven it will be when finished.

[@creglauda1621]

When you make a wood deck you need to have a space between each board you can use the width of a large nail. If you don't do this puddles will form on the deck and you will end up getting rot way to soon. You did a good job but forgot the spacing. Also spacing is for expansion from heat and cold.

[@manuelester7420]

I saw spaces between the boards. If not, they'll start squeaking too.

[@edog7059]

Unfortunately, I think Slim's going to regret not providing space between those deck planks. A couple seasons of snow melt and refreeze and then rain and it'll be problematic. At this point it might be worthwhile to run his circular saw down the seams to create some slots.

[@sarahhigh8676]

Maybe the wood will shrink and it will provide a space between the boards

[@mweber2000]

Slim, you are a true renaissance man.

[@bobhobart3613]

Excellent job Slim !! I recently retired after 40 years in the retail sale of anything “ built” The last 25+ estimating, reviewing engineering etc. I’ll guess you could have saved 3+ days with nail guns+ Looks fantastic and what a beautiful location!! Bob

[@debra-vs]

I'll take screws over nails in a deck any day.

[@Rain3Silver]

You ROCK Slim! I love decks and I think you have done a great job! Looks like a very nice location. Cheers to relaxation!

[@tracynorris355]

Well done sir....your saying on the wicked need no rest was taught to me also...goes like this.. No rest for the weary And the wicked don't need any! 😂 I enjoy watching your adventures!

[@j.patrickmoore9137]

Great video! My wife and I purchased a townhome about 14 years ago and lived there for five years. We needed storage in the two-car garage (we had a lot of plastic bins with stuff, mostly her holiday decorations according to me... so we built shelves, using deck hangars like you used. Due to the different use and need for loading characteristics, we used 2x3's and it was rock solid. I hate carpentry and can't pound a nail straight to save my life, so we used a whole lot of screws. We sold about nine years ago and it's been sold again since, and those shelves aren't going anywhere. I admire your skills!!!!

[@oceanbrzzz]

Hi SP, I enjoy every video you do. This is exceptional, you make building the deck easy to understand. I am excited to see it finished. I have “helped” build 2 decks on our log home.

[@DIYManiacJohnP]

the lign about the joist being "well hung" made me spit my coffee

[@eugenesaint1231]

Excellent deck, Slim. I envy you your energy and tenacity. It came out beautifully. Just sane... :^) Saint

[@agentofficerthomasa.porter107]

Slim, your get'n there. It does not happen overnight. Have restored 7 homes in my life & each one was a great experience & frustration at times as any restoration & build is. Never have cared to Rent wherever I have lived. Concrete with Gravel would be a good base foundation for your post. It does not take much to do on each one. You can use the small bags of Instant Concrete so mixing with a Concrete Mixing Barrel is not needed bought or rented. Can get the Bags of Gravel & Rebar across the concreate. Food for thought. As you have done there is going to be some settling from the ground on each of your post setting bases. Yes lumber has gone up & quality lumber is substandard lumber today. Recommend ya always check each board your going to use with your delivery order & have them tape or wrap so it does not change upon appearing at the home sight. Never used a nail & never want to. Yes they speed up the process & they can also jam or accidents are no picnic with them. Your Deck Look's Great. You will tweet from time to time & then your mission is accomplished & enjoy. Always, Tommy :-)

[@doramather4729]

This was a lot of work and expense but so worth it, I love the progress you have done on your cabin.

[@mikewilson8594]

I think the rebar and metal straps for the stair stringers is a great idea. Should be solid and safe enough for some time. Love the cabin videos!

[@StabStabStabStabby]

This is quite an inspiring video for people wanting to do some DIY projects. Thanks slim. I really look forward to seeing the cabin videos.

[@terryl6706]

I love the cabin renovation,you’re working within a budget and it’s beautiful.

[@sueg2658]

That’s awesome Slim! Well done! I’m happy for ya.

[@karenedge7039]

Looks wonderful Slim !! Enjoy that deck! I cant wait to see what is in store for the cabin.

[@et375]

Looks like the perfect place to enjoy the great job on the deck,You make building a deck look easy,Enjoy!

[@pattya1679]

Love seeing the cabin come to life! Great deck! Great view!

[@judyabernathy80]

Again, what can’t you do???? Looks amazing, and I think it will last a long time, as well! Yew de man, Slim! ♥️🙏🏼♥️

[@SlimPotatohead]

NOTE FROM SLIM: One common question asked is: "Did you include a gap between the deck boards"? No, I did not. Why? Because this is new pressure-treated lumber. It's wet, and once dry a gap will appear. To quote Home Depot Canada: "Ideally, with most wood, you want to leave about an 1/8-inch gap between boards after the decking has dried. You can use a spacer to make sure you’re consistent throughout the whole deck. Pressure-treated lumber is usually wet when you install it, so you should install those boards tightly together. The gaps will get bigger once the wood has dried.". Thanks! SP

[@Wintersnow147]

The docks looks great! I really enjoy your cabin updates!

[@Dj-zz]

Enjoyed the video. You did a fine job Slim. I appreciate your problem solving skills. Besides saving a bundle in labor costs. You have the satisfaction of building it yourself. I’m envious of your cabin. You’ll have a fine place to live Slim. Looking forward to more.

[@ve2vfd]

Nice deck! And you achieved unmentioned goal #2: Complete the deck before the black flies came out :) lol! One of the advantages of screwing in the deck planks is that if one is stained or damaged you can easily unscrew and flip (or replace) it.

[@johnvititoe6051]

Nice job, Slim. Those 4” posts will work fine. I built a deck using 4” posts almost 30 years ago and it’s still I great condition. The money spent on that deck was a great investment.